The Orlando Magic were considered the it young team in the league entering this season. But a disappointing season and a third straight first-round exit have brought a lot of questions to the team.
But they face one undeniable reality: They are no longer inevitable contenders. The Magic must enter this next season having to prove themselves and their potential all over again. Nobody is going to expect them or hand them anything.
And the reality is that the Eastern Conference is more competitive than ever. The Magic are one of the reasons for that. The margins in the East will only get narrower as teams continue to improve. The margin between a top seed and the Play-In will be very small.
So, how close are the Magic to their contention dreams? Not so far away. But the final gap between a Playoff team and a true contender is a wide gap the Magic must bridge beginning this offseason.
00:00 Orlando Magic's playoff challenges
07:46 Pistons vs. Magic recap
11:23 State of the Eastern Conference
17:08 Magic's long-term plans with Bane
23:30 Impact of Franz Wagner's absence
30:58 Magic's playoff struggles and injuries
38:02 Reflecting on season's end
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